Michael Crabtree – No prima donna

Wide receiver Michael Crabtree has earned the reputation as a temperamental prima donna with his missed training camps and series of nagging injuries. 49ers coach Jim Harbaugh sees Crabtree as something different.
“He’s the consummate team type of guy with the way he’s blocked,” 49ers coach Jim Harbaugh said. Harbaugh also said Crabtree moved from split end to flanker this week and he did it without complaint. “Whatever I can do for the team is his approach.

Michael Crabtree has become the top target

Crabtree has also been featured prominently in the passing game the last two games. Against the Lions he was targeted 15 times. In Sunday’s 20-10 over win the Browns, quarterback Alex Smith fired nine passes his way; Crabtree caught five of them for 54 yards.
Crabtree got himself open four times for long pass plays, some of which could have gone for touchdowns. Smith overthrew him on three occasions and hit him once for a 41-yard pass play.
Harbaugh marvels at Crabtree’s ability to dig out a safety and throw a block on one play and then make a spectacular catch the next, something Crabtree routinely does in practice according to his head coach. Crabtree also leads his receivers in another category dear to the former quarterback turned coach.
“He can catch the ball over the middle, some guys just refuse to do that, not on our team. Michael sets that example,” Harbaugh said.